EASTER IN BERWICK 1980 THEME: CREATIVITY –Part 1: FEAR, A BARRIER.
By Peter Grogan (Incorporating notes from Bryan Pollard.)
Fear is possibly one of the most destructive powers that attacks the Believer, all aspects of our experience, are affected by its life- destroying power. During this short talk, I want us to be prepared to search out and tackle ourselves, to give the Spirit freedom that we will personally seek to be guided into a healthy understanding of the difference between destructive fear, and God-given fear.
TEN TRUTHS THAT CONCERN FEAR: (1 John 1: 5-10)
From Spiritual darkness ———————————– Into Spiritual light.
1. CLOSED ——————————————————-1. OPEN
11. COOL ———————————————————-11.WARM
111. DOUBTING ————————————————- 111. FAITHFUL
1V. INDIVIDUALISM —————————————— 1V. INTER-DEPENDENT
V. PROCRASTINATION ————————————— V. PRODUCTIVITY
V1. FEAR OF FUTURE ————————————-V1. NEW VISION OF FUTURE
VII. DISOBEDIENCE ————————————— V11. JOYFUL OBEDIENCE
V111. NO EXCITEMENT ———————————-V111. EXCITEMENT
1X. AN UNKNOWN —————————————– X. GOD’S KNOWLEDGE
Using this list for further discussion would be a helpful exercise, looking at it; we can see how much a destructive force fear can be. Now we can clearly say,
(FEAR) ONE REASON FOR UNCREATIVITY
FEAR – A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
A) My Own
B) Of other believers
OUR PRAYER
“Lord in you Goodness, allow me to find your liberty, so that as your child I may grow and wax strong in your Holy Spirit.”
I would like to show you some very important phases in the life of a child during its second year of life, and from these, see how we can relate to the healthy, and unhealthy sides of fear. For there is a call to the Believer, to live a life of victory, and to be eager in our spiritual explorations, but as a spiritual child, we should be prepared for some of the joyful activities to be met with a fatherly “No.”
The second year of life is the one where the baby becomes mobile and so it is with the believer, who is delivered from a dangerous fear. Walking is a landmark in physical development, giving an important increase in the child’s mastery of his environment. And this is also true of our own experience.
Casting fear aside, allows Holy Ghost power to strengthen our daily walk with God. Theodore Kithching’s song throws a great deal of beauty on this subject:
HOW WONDERFUL IT IS TO WALK WITH GOD
ALONG THE ROAD THAT HOLY MEN HAVE TROD.
HOW WONDERFUL IT IS TO HEAR HIM SAY:
FEAR NOT, HAVE FAITH, ‘TIS I WHO LEAD THE WAY.
Talking normally begins at this time, and this is an intellectual landmark. The child has, on average a 10 word vocabulary, but understands much more. Since language is so important to social development and learning, the problem of deafness should be watched for as early as possible. Link this with our spiritual life, and we see the importance of prayer, our talking with God. Being in contact with the Spirit enables us to tackle fear with new confidence. We learn that fear is a natural part of our make up, as we experience love, joy, and peace so we know hate, pain and fear. But be assured, this is God given, to know this we need to be in constant contact with God. Prayer is power; once again let us listen to the words of Theodore Kithching:
HOW WONDERFUL IT IS TO TALK WITH GOD
WHEN CARES SWEEP O’ER MY SPIRIT LIKE A FLOOD;
HOW WONDERFUL IT IS TO HEAR HIS VOICE,
FOR WHEN HE SPEAKS THE DESERT LANDS REJOICE!
Bryan Pollard caught a great deal of truth when he noted the following; these few points would serve well, in some prominent place for doctrinal reference:
“Fear is when you’re convinced you are going to fail. After God delivers us from fear, He then puts us into situations where our new courage will be tested. Fear is a worrier of the creative spirit, the personality behind fear is a spirit, and he’s a nasty, a devil!”
DELIVERANCE FROM FEAR- A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
A word of Scripture: -
“A man’s fears will prove a snare to him, but he who trusts in the Lord, has a high tower of refuge.” (Proverbs 29: 25)
A) My own experience.
B) Of other believers.
HAVING VICTORY OVER FEAR: BEING USED IN ANOTHER’S DELIVERANCE
During my time of living in the Shetland Isles, and after being converted, I became friendly with another new convert. Henry had been involved in dark, wicked practices, after being involved in the occult for a period of time; sin began to destroy his body, mind and very soul. Well, Henry had a great experience of Christ and turned to God. For some time after though, he had certain difficulties, and was tormented with fear of remaining single. This snowballed into impure thoughts, secret sin, and he was slowly losing contact with God. One night we went for a drive after an unexpected meeting, I soon became aware of his uneasiness, and asked if we could stop the van, and pray for a while. Suddenly, this suppressed spirit of fear released itself and the devil took control, curses, blasphemy, and physical violence followed. But the Holy Ghost’s authority fell, powers of good and evil fought. Taken up by the Spirit I understood what was meant in the true meaning of “Spiritual Warfare.” This for me was an awesome experience, but not one of fear.
After a 70mph chase through the countryside and managing to arrive safely back in Lerwick, (a miracle in itself) Henry threw me out onto the road. He left. Standing on that lonely road I cried, but I somehow remembered the Holy Ghost saying that spirit of fear, “Come out!” Yes! In the name of Jesus Christ, that evil spirit was ordered to leave.
After spending a night half sleeping, half praying, I met Henry. He remembered nothing, but one thing: during the night, he was aware of something great leaving his body, so real, that it was physical, and he was FREE! Now he lives a life of complete victory.
AND NOW THE WORDS OF JESUS
Over these coming days, and over the weeks that follow, search deep into your experience. Ask God to lead you into the deeper realms of a Spirit – led intercession. Do not be frightened when God visits you through His spirit; this is not a spirit of fear.
This could be your time for a supernatural visitation, if so, remember, these times when Jesus first came in these mighty ways.
After Jesus calmed the storm, this is in itself, an answer to the disciples’ fear of drowning; Jesus turned and said, “Why are you so frightened?” (Mark 8:40) Because of spiritual limitations we continue to read, “But they were terribly afraid.” (Mark 6:50)
And finally, let us remember how Jesus came to minister to these disciples who had gone underground, and locked their doors for fear of being caught. He appeared in the room and said, “Peace be with you.”
A PERSONAL BLESSING
May the Holy Ghost visit this creativity workshop in all His fullness, may we all be open to new insights, yes! Even these that cause us pain. May your personal contribution to this be all the richer as fear is conquered and you go to new heights in this exciting adventure for God.
JEHOVAH SHALOM!
